Schalke players back Holtby return

Holtby, 23, left the Royal Blues for Tottenham a year ago, but, so far, has struggled to make a significant impression at White Hart Lane.

And in recent weeks Holtby has been linked with a return to Schalke to replace U.S. international Jermaine Jones, who was told he can leave the club -- although there have not as yet been any offers for Jones.

“Holtby would help us,” Huntelaar, who at the weekend will return to the Schalke team after nearly six months out, told Bild. “He can play nearly every position in midfield. Lewis has quality, and Schalke can always use that.”

The Royal Blues captain Hoewedes echoed Huntelaar’s sentiment, adding: “He is a good player. If it fits for both sides, he would certainly help us.”

Also speaking to Bild, Holtby's agent Marcus Noack said: “I am striving for a good solution for Lewis, so he can be happy again. The most important thing for him is to play.”

In an interview with German football magazine kicker, Schalke coach Jens Keller added: “I’ll accept it if it does not work out financially.”